Undoubtedly, the X-Men hold a special fondness for the holiday season. In their continuous battle to safeguard mutantkind from various threats, these superheroes seldom find time for personal enjoyment. However, even adversities often pause during the holidays. The period during Chris Claremont’s tenure marked a significant embrace of festive celebrations among the X-Men.
Claremont’s enthusiasm for Christmas was evident, as he gracefully integrated the celebration of Hanukkah for the X-Men’s Jewish members. Characters like Nightcrawler and Kitty Pryde showcased their unique traditions, while others cherished the chance to enjoy the season’s festivities. This time of year becomes a wonderful opportunity for the X-Men to unwind and bond as a family. Even though Cyclops and Rogue may be at odds presently, readers can still revisit cherished holiday tales from the X-Men’s past.
1. Marvel Holiday Tales to Astonish #1 (2024): “Festival of Fights”
By Daniel Kibblesmith, Pat Olliffe, John Kalisz, and Ariana Maher
The 2024 holiday issue celebrates a time when the X-Men were united at the X-Mansion. Featuring an array of tales from Marvel’s festive endeavors, “Festival of Fights” depicts the X-Men joining forces to adorn their home for Christmas. Additionally, Kitty Pryde experiences the joy of celebrating Hanukkah with her new family for the first time.
The narrative progresses with Kitty striving to brighten Wolverine’s grumpy disposition, while Nightcrawler surprises his ally with a menorah. Despite their efforts, the team finds their holiday spirit disrupted by unrelenting crime. Ultimately, Kitty distributes gifts among her teammates, including a special request to Wolverine to train her, resulting in an unexpected expression of delight from Logan as he embraces the chance to mentor one of his cherished students.
2. The X-Men #98 (1975)
By Chris Claremont, Dave Cockrum, Sam Grainer, Janice Cohen, and Joe Rosen
In a hallmark of Marvel’s festive storytelling, X-Men’s first Christmas special, “Merry Christmas, X-Men…,” showcases the team reveling in the spirit of the season at Rockefeller Center. Taking advantage of a magical snowy backdrop, Cyclops and Jean Grey enjoy a romantic dinner high above the city. Their tender moment is humorously interrupted by the surprising appearance of Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, who quip about the unexpected displays of affection in comic books.
However, their holiday cheer is short-lived, as sentinels crash the restaurant’s celebration, startling Cyclops and Jean. Following this, the X-Men find themselves on high alert, especially as Jean, Logan, and Banshee are abducted by Steven Lang, leading to a perilous escape scenario unwittingly setting them on a journey through outer space. While the story may not conclude with the anticipated holiday joy, it undeniably marks the X-Men’s inaugural Christmas celebration.
3. Marvel Holiday Special (1991): “A Miracle a Few Blocks Down from 32nd Street”
By Scott Lobdell, Dave Cockrum, Joe Rubinstein, Patty Cockrum, and Roxanne Starr
Similar to Marvel Holiday Tales to Astonish, this collection features festive encounters with Marvel superheroes. The X-Men return to Rockefeller Center for Christmas, where they reveal that it’s Storm’s first-ever Christmas celebration. A detour to the ice rink unleashes an unexpected confrontation with the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants seeking a powerful mutant nearby, only to discover that the only remarkable presence is none other than Kris Kringle himself.
Yes, Santa Claus emerges as a mutant of astonishing caliber. To resolve the chaos, Santa morphs the Brotherhood into figurines, subsequently whisking the X-Men away, erasing their memories of the incident. Thanks to Ol’ Saint Nick, the X-Men can finally indulge in a magical white Christmas.
4. Generation X Holiday Special #1 (1998)
In the story titled “Yes Jubilee, There Is a Santa Claus,” the members of Generation X prepare for the holiday season. Amidst the excitement, Jubilee finds herself distanced from the holiday joy, feeling isolated after losing her parents. As her teammates eagerly await their turn to meet Santa, a conflict arises when Orphan-Maker, a mutant villain, disrupts the festive cheer by kidnapping mutant children.
Jubilee’s determination leads her to confront Orphan-Maker, eventually discovering a powerful mutant child along with Santa Claus himself. The jolly figure provides heartwarming support to Jubilee, tenderly addressing her heartache over her parents. His genuine empathy helps Jubilee rediscover her spirit of the season, culminating in a joyful Christmas morning surrounded by her newfound mutant family.
5. Deadpool #7 (2018)
By Skottie Young, Nic Klein, and Jeff Eckleberry
Although Deadpool isn’t a mutant, he finds himself enmeshed in a chaotic Christmas narrative alongside a mutant Santa. After the holiday season ends in disaster for an angry group of children finding themselves giftless, they seek Deadpool’s unique expertise. The kids offer him cash to take out Santa Claus, prompting Deadpool to embark on a comedic adventure all the way to the North Pole.
Discovering Santa incapacitated by excessive libations, Deadpool takes the whimsical notion of delivering the gifts himself. After dispatching a horde of disgruntled elves working for Roxxon Toys, he ultimately leaves Santa in a much-needed state of repose, ensuring the successful fulfillment of Christmas wishes.
6. The Merry X-Men Holiday Special #1 (2018)
Including 25 Stories by Marvel’s Top Talent; Cover Art by David Nakayama
This creatively styled anthology features twenty-five unique one-page stories centered on the X-Men. The format challenges writers and artists to introduce engaging narratives within a brief framework, with several stories capturing the true spirit of the season. For instance, on Day 14, Nightcrawler humorously gifts Old Man Logan a portrait of himself, consistent with their long-standing joke. Meanwhile, Day 17 showcases a tender moment with the Braddock family enjoying Christmas together.
7. Generation X #60-61 (2000)
By Jay Faerber, Terry Dodson, Rachel Dodson, Kevin Tinsley, and Saida Temofonte
Set during Christmas, “Christmas Fear” presents a more dramatic take that contrasts the festive nature of other stories. When Emma Frost’s younger sibling, Cordelia Frost, unexpectedly appears, the Generation X team swiftly bands together to confront villains threatening her. Banshee, Jubilee, Skin, and Chamber join forces against formidable adversaries, including Black Tom Cassidy and Juggernaut.
Simultaneously, a secondary narrative unfolds where M’s mutant school faces a vampire menace. While this installment diverges from the traditional holiday cheer, it aptly reflects the conflict inherent in the narrative, aptly titled “Christmas Fear” due to its darker undertones.
8. Uncanny X-Men #230 (1988)
By Chris Claremont, Marc Silvestri, Joe Rubinstein, Glynis Oliver, and Tom Orzechowski
During the “Outback X-Men” phase, the mutants took refuge in Australia, once controlled by the Reavers. In an unexpected twist, Longshot uncovers an extensive stash of riches belonging to their captors. With Gateway’s help, the X-Men embark on a heartfelt journey to return the stolen treasures, leading to emotional reunions for many.
The tale culminates in a poignant exchange between Rogue and Gateway, where Rogue’s continuous companionship provides comfort to the mute character. Their connection deepens with Rogue presenting a flute to Gateway, culminating in a beautiful moment as she listens to the music he plays in return.
9. Marvel Holiday Special (2004): “An X-Men X-Mas”
By Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa, Roger Cruz, Victor Olazaba, Chris Solomayor, and Clem Robins
This 2004 narrative stands out as one of the most heartfelt X-Men holiday stories. As winter break approaches, goodbye and solitude loom for Kevin Ford, known as Wither, who lacks a place to call home. Meanwhile, Cyclops and Emma Frost prepare for their getaway, but recognizing Kevin’s loneliness prompts Emma to cancel their plans and create a magical Christmas experience for him.
The trio partakes in various activities, enjoying each other’s company throughout the holiday season. Despite the burden of his troubling powers, Kevin experiences genuine joy. The touching resolution sees Emma activating her diamond form to comfort Kevin without the risk of decay, symbolizing their bond. The story concludes with a serene scene by the fireplace, where Kevin and Emma share a moment of connection together.
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